By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the March 13 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, discussion was held regarding possible wage increases for county employees for the upcoming fiscal year. Supervisor Steve Smith suggested a 3% increase.
Supervisor JD Kuster brought up the recommendation from the Compensation Board, which suggested a 7% wage increase. Kuster said he has heard from the Compensation Board in years past, voicing frustration when the recommended number isn’t used.
Supervisor Mike Dickson acknowledged that but pointed out that the county needs to budget for several large projects as well.
“We’ve talked about the generator down here. That’s a $200,000 project or a little more. We’ve talked about tornado shelters for some of our buildings… that money has to come from somewhere,” Dickson said.
Supervisor Brian Johnson made a motion for a 3% wage increase, excluding the Board of Supervisors. That motion passed on a 4-1 vote, with Kuster opposed.
Johnson then made a motion for no wage increase for the supervisors. That motion passed on a 3-2 vote, with Dickson and Maggie Armstrong voting nay.
Dickson voiced his concern about depleting the county’s fund balance.
“With the 3% that was just done, you’re looking at eating into your fund balance almost $400,000,” Dickson said.
The supervisors discussed ways to cut around $100,000 from budgetary expenses to help spare the county’s fund balance.
The supervisors will ask two departments (Sheriff and County Attorney) to come back and meet with the supervisors to work on ways to cut expenses.
Through March, the supervisors meet regularly Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.
The supervisors voted to cancel the March 20 meeting.